Dr. Lars Svensson,

Heart Valve Surgeon

Hello! My name is Dr. Lars Svensson and I am a cardiac surgeon having graduated from University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Medicine - Johannesburg, South Africa in 1978. To date, I have performed approximately over 10,000 cardiac surgeries, of which over 4,000 involved heart valve procedures. I regularly perform surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Read more...

I believe my greatest strength is that I haved trained with the world's best, pioneering cardiovascular specialists including Drs. Barlow, Loop, Cosgrove, Lytle, DeBakey, and Crawford. This includes my ability to offer patients a variety of treatment approaches, from transcatheter to standard heart surgery, all geared toward minimal invasive surgery, maximizing safety and optimizing outcomes.

25 Patient Reviews for Dr. Svensson

"My original surgery was for a Aortic valve replacement, Dr. Svensson was able to repair my Bicuspid Valve. It has been 3 months since my surgery and I feel great! "

-- Daniel Conrad, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, 08/19/2016

"I live in Northwest Florida. After much research, I decided to have my surgery done by Dr. Lars Svensson at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. This was the best decision I have ever made. I was thrilled when his assistant told me that he had reviewed my records (the day he received them I might add!) and was willing to do the surgery.

I needed surgery to replace my aortic valve and remove an ascending aortic aneurysm. Dr. Svensson planned my surgery perfectly. I arrived on Saturday, February 14, was tested February 16 and 17, and met with Dr. Svensson on February 18, 2015, the day before my surgery. Dr. Svensson did a great job explaining everything to me, was very personable, and made me very confident going into the surgery. The surgery and my experiences in ICU and the step-down room were just incredible. It came as no surprise to me when I learned after the surgery that Dr. Svensson was made the chairman of the heart and vascular institute at the Cleveland Clinic. Based upon my personal experience, he certainly deserves that honor. My recovery has been outstanding.

At 9 weeks post-op, I was released to go back to work without restrictions of any kind. Had my appointment been earlier, I know I would have been released at that time. I have no physical restrictions other than lifting hundreds of pounds. My cardiologist and internist were literally thrilled with the outcome. I whole-heartedly recommend Dr. Svensson."

"I had an excellent time at Cleveland clinic with Dr. Lars Svensson. From what I heard, it was a tough surgery with lots of scar tissue from previous surgery. But, Dr. Svensson did an excellent job both pre-op, during and after surgery. ICU experience was also most gratifying as there was an excellent staff of professional caring people. I fully recommend Dr. Lars Svensson for any surgery of this type."

-- Stan Soltys, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, 02/05/2015

"I traveled from Louisiana to Cleveland for an Aortic Valve surgical evaluation by Dr. Svensson. His calm, confident manner in explaining my particular situation (severe left ventricle dilation, but no symptoms) was very reassuring. I returned to Cleveland 1 month later for the valve replacement. The surgery lasted only 34 minutes thanks to Dr Svensson's great skill, technique, and experience. I am 63 years old and now 3 weeks post-op with little to any pain (1 on 1-10 scale), walking 2-3 miles a day. I highly recommend Dr. Svensson and the Cleveland Clinic. I rate Dr Svensson's bedside manner and surgical result as A++++. I strongly feel that the travel costs to Cleveland were justified."

-- Boyd Anderson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/24/2014

"In selecting Dr. Svensson, we decided to find the best surgeon possible for my ascending aortic aneurysm and bicuspid aortic valve. He is an expert in these areas. We were completely satisfied with Dr. Svensson's evaluation and treatment. Dr. Svensson is a quiet, thoughtful, calm and reassuring person. For me, he was super. A surgeon who I could completely trust. "

"I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic heart valve and my local cardiologist recommended surgery to replace the valve. Initially I was to have the procedure done locally but I researched the Cleveland Clinic and contacted them to see if I was a candidate for their minimally invasive surgery. They told me I was a candidate for this surgery and I advised my cardiologist that I wanted to have the surgery done at Cleveland Clinic. He recommended Dr. Lars Svensson and I was able to schedule the surgery with Dr. Svensson. I was happy with Dr. Svensson from the start as he recommended a biological valve and not a mechanical valve as I did not want to take blood thinners the rest of my life as I was only 58 years of age. Dr. Svensson was very good in explaining the procedure to my wife and I and he was great in checking on how I was doing every day after my surgery. I was in Cleveland Clinic for five days and their staff was outstanding!"

"Dr. Svensson was thoroughly professional, a very business-like surgeon who inspired confidence in his knowledge and experience. He made daily attentive visits and was surrounded by his talented team. Dr. Lars Svensson is one of the finest surgeons in the country. I was fortunate to have my request for him to do the surgery fulfilled. The Cleveland Clinic's overall care and monitoring of my 6-day hospitalization stay was nothing less than superb. "

"Dr. Svensson was able to repair my aortic valve and save me from having it replaced. He also repaired my aortic aneurysm. Dr. Lars Svensson is the best. "

-- Reid benes, Aortic Valve, Mini Sternotomy, 05/30/2012

"I had read Dr. Svensson's papers and book, watched his surgery and lecture videos, but our first meeting assured me that he was the surgeon with whom I would put my trust. His focus, demeanor, candid responses, and laughter instilled me with confidence. He is a world class surgeon, operating in the world class Cleveland Clinic. During my recovery, he visited me every morning, assessing and discussing my progress. I am grateful to him for the years of toil and sacrifices that he made to acquire his knowledge and develop his skills. He has my unconditional endorsement, and I believe that individuals such as Dr. Svensson have shaped the standards of excellence at The Cleveland Clinic."

"My time with Dr. Lars Svensson was limited but he is one of the best in his field. I would recommend him highly."

-- Doug Sivyer, Aortic Valve, Mini Sternotomy, 05/11/2011

"Dr. Lars Svensson credentials are outstanding which is why I chose to have my surgery with him at the Cleveland Clinic. That being said, he is a very busy man but spent adequate time before the surgery discussing the operation. He came to see me each morning at 6am after the surgery while I was in the hospital -- which made a big difference. "

-- Christina Zafiris, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/21/2011

"I first learned of Dr. Svensson by watching a video on the Cleveland Clinic website. When I saw him and listened to him speak, I knew he was the surgeon I wanted to operate on my younger brother for his life-threatening ascending aortic aneurysm and mechanical aortic valve.

I was shocked that we were able to request him and he agreed! We discovered that our family has a connective tissue disorder and approximately 1 1/2 years later, he performed my ascending aortic repair. I had visits with him a year prior to my surgery.

He always took his time, answered all of my questions and reassured me. He is calm, professional, and so very kind. He is the person you want. His training and skill, his nonexistent infection rate, and expert care are beyond comparison. I developed fluid around my heart and in my lungs and had another surgery two weeks after the aneurysm repair. He personally came to see me every day both times and always updated me and my husband and answered all of our questions.

I always felt that he cared about me. I will never go anywhere else for any cardiac issues. Dr. Svensson has been blessed with his gift and he is using it. I told him he had blessed hands. I believe he is the best in the world. "

"I can't say enough good about Dr. Lars Svensson. Very good surgeon, great support team at Cleveland Clinic. I flew home to Colorado 6 days after surgery."

-- john palermo, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/19/2010

"I am an 85 year old patient that had Aortic Valve replacement and aortic artery repair. The surgery and recovery was excellent. I stopped taking pain medicine on the 29th day after surgery and started my Cardio-Rehab 4 weeks after surgery. I saw Dr. Svensson each morning of my recovery. I could not be more pleased with my results and would enthusiastically recommend Dr. Svensson and the Cleveland Clinic. The 1200 mile drive from North Carolina was well worth it."

"Dr. Lars Svensson was wonderful!! He and his team were very professional, answered all of our questions and put my family at ease during and after the surgery. After a long and stressful interview and decision making process leading up to my surgery, I am thankful for choosing him and the Cleveland Clinic for my BAV repair!"

-- Curt Wagner, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, 09/10/2009

"Dr. Lars Svensson is the best doctor i have had yet. He explained all of my options and assured me that I was in good hands. He saved my Aorta and also did the same procedure for my brother. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. This doctor is a class act and is the best surgeon for the David Procedure or any patient with a connective tissue disorder. "

-- Dustin Lundelius, Aortic Valve, David Procedure, 05/15/2009

"Extremely pleased with both the physician and the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Svensson is one of the country's leaders in performing the modified David Procedure. I chose this repair rather than a mechanical valve replacement to avoid a life of Coumadin. I had both a valve repair and a repair of an aortic root aneurysm. "

"I only remember seeing my surgeon one time and that was in my initial visit and interview with Dr. Lars Svensson in November 2008 at the Cleveland. I asked many questions regarding my specific valve and aneurysm surgery and questioned Dr.Svensson on what he recommended for my particular heart condidtion. He suggested I have a valve repair and a graft for the aortic aneurysm. He responded by saying that the aortic valve and aneurysm repair was the way to go and that I would not need to be on any blood thinners. Dr. Svensson is a well known surgeon and instructor for combined valve and aortic
aneurysm surgery including minimal invasive aortic surgery. I also chose Dr. Svensson for his innovation on prevention of stroke and paralysis after heart surgery. Dr.Svensson has developed several techniques for aortic bicupsid valve repair in which I had been diagnosed."

"Great bedside manner. I could not have been more pleased with the after-care of surgery. Cleveland clinic has been rated the number one heart hospital for fifteen years and Dr. Svensson is the Director for Aortic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic. If I ever have to have future heart surgery I will definitely go back to Cleveland."

"Great surgeon. Great hospital. Great care. Worth the trip. Minimally invasive procedure. Quick recovery, took no pain medicine after leaving hospital. No post-op side effects or restrictions."

-- Jim Wright, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/11/2008

"His bedside manner was average. The surgery went fine and I have had no problems since surgery."

-- Shawn O'Donnell, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/05/2008

"In 2007, I was shocked to learn that I had an aortic root aneurysm. I chose the Cleveland Clinic because of its #1 rating in the United States for successful heart procedures. I also chose Dr. Lars Svensson based on his reputation. It was very reassuring that he was very informative and answered all of my questions & my wife's many questions. I was given the recommendation of a David's re-implantation of my aortic valve and replacement of my ascending aorta. I was very pleased that my own aortic valve was able to be repaired and that meant I did not need to take Coumadin for the rest of my life. Nine months following surgery and an out patient cardiac rehab program, I was medically cleared to go on a guided elk hunting trip in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In 2013, I will celebrate 5 years post op with very few limitations! "

Education, Training & Certificates

Dr. Lars Svensson, heart surgeon, graduated from University of Witwatersrand Faculty of Medicine - Johannesburg, South Africa in 1978.

After medical school, Dr. Svensson completed a General Surgery Residency at Johannesburg General Hospital in 1986. Then, Dr. Svensson completed a Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery in 1987. Next, Dr. Svensson completed a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship in 1989 and a Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency in 1991 at Baylor College of Medicine.

In addition to being board certified in the United States, Dr. Svensson is also board certified for Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons in Canada and General Surgery by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons in Canada.

During his career, Dr. Svensson has received several awards, acknowledgements and special credentials including:.

* 2013, National Marfan Foundation, Hero with a Heart Award
* 2008, King James IV Professor of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
* 2007, Second Place, Cleveland Clinic Top 10 Innovations of 2007
* 2000, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry
* 1999, Top Doctors
* 1997, Who’s Who in Medicine
* 1997, Who’s Who in the World
* 1996, Who's Who in America
* 1996, Who's Who in Science and Engineering
* 1996-1998, Lahey Clinic Neurocognitive Research Grant
* 1994, Dana Fund Research Fellowship
* 1993, Lahey Clinic Research Grant
* 1992, Director's Award for Professional Leadership, Houston V.A.M.C
* 1992, V.A. Rag Research Fund Award
* 1991, DeBakey Heart Fund Research Award